Geelong sailors shine at Isle of Wight
AS the Ashes cricket rivalry gears up, the two countries have joined forces on the water to form The Alliance, competing at the Lendy Cowes Week regatta on The Isle of Wight.
A crew with some of Geelong’s most experienced yachtsmen, along with four British friends, came 12th at the event, which is the biggest and oldest sailing regatta in the world and the original home of the America’s Cup.
The Alliance is made up of local sailors Bruce King, Barry Walker, Kevin Batty, Frank Hammond, Ryan Walker, Tony Parks, John “Pugs” MacKay who raced in the Sunsail Match F40 class, up against more than 30 boats from around the world.
Skipper Bruce King said the team had sailed well throughout the week. “I’m just so happy with the guys,” he said.
“We have been able to finish strong all week, but unfortunately have had a few errors, which cost us a bit.”
The crew came first in their division in their first race last Saturday, winning them a limited edition TNG Swiss watch valued at more than $1600.
They did not compete in race two after crew member Frank Hammond suffered se- rious concussion in an incident before the race, but recovered their standings the following day, taking line honours and first place on day three.
That effort earned them another TNG watch, which was presented by two-time Olympic gold medallist and America’s Cup skipper Iain Percy.
In race four, the crew were disappointed to learn they had been on course side.
“We sailed really strong on Tuesday and thought we’d taken second place,” King said.
“But we were gutted to learn we had crossed the line too early with some of the other boats.”
On day five, they finished 10th, with King saying that with gusty, 40-knott winds, they were lucky to finish at all.
The conditions were so bad racing was called off the following day.
In the final race on Friday they took second place in a close finish, missing by two boat lengths after having to do a penalty turn after hitting a mark.
The Australians in the crew, who have more than 300 years’ experience between them including two world titles, have also acted as ambassadors at the event for the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, which will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its Australia Day regatta next January.